Daily Thrifty Tips - July 31, 2008

Today we have a wonderful article by Coreen about grocery shopping and sticking to a budget. There are many helpful ideas to stretch that dollar. Please take a moment to look through our requests and see if you can offer any advice.

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

If you are an avid crafter, capable writer and own a digital camera, you are eligible to participate. Submit your craft projects to ThriftyFun and we will pay $15 for any crafts that we publish.

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Bela (Boxer)

Bela is 12 years old. He is a Boxer. I got Bela when he was a pup. He loves to swim in our little pond.

By Lady from MA

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Craft: Step Stool

I am always looking for a deal.

A local craft store had a 50% coupon and I grabbed a stool
half off. I stained, Hubby sealed and our son put on stickers on this
step for our grandson/nephew. For $6.00 this turned out wonderful
and fun to do with love. Our grandson will love this step as he get older.

By Sally M from Buffalo

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Beautifully Carved Melons

I saw this at a Farmer's Market in Port Orchard WA and thought it was carved so amazingly that I just had to get a picture of it.

By Sherry from Silverdale, WA

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Scenery: Cabo Roja, Puerto Rico

This beautiful picture was taken when I was just driving by the shore to relax. It's in the town of Cabo Rojo, the area is called Joyuda. Very peaceful

By Karmen from Lajas, Puerto Rico

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Craft Project: Betty Boop Red Hat Gourd Doll

Supplies

• Dried Gourd
• Tacky glue
• Black yarn
• Paint for face and dress
• Red and white boats
• Spray sealer

Instructions

Scrub the gourd good and let dry about 45 minutes.

Paint on face and hair and let dry about 15 minutes.

Paint on dress and let dry about 15 minutes.

I get hats from craft store and glue a red boa on them then fit to the head. (I use tacky glue.) I use black yarn for more hair and better fit for the hat, just mess with it a little.

Glue white boa around neck. Spray with clear sealer.

By Sheri from Stockton

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Vinegar for Dishwasher Rinse Agent

I add plain vinegar to the rise container in my dishwasher. I have bought the pricey "rinse aids" and I think the vinegar does a much better job. I don't notice any vinegar smell on my dishes either.

By Susan from Giddings, TX

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Pack Vacation Treasures Among Your Clothing

When we go vacationing out of state, I like to go treasure hunting while I'm there. The way to transport all my little collectibles; I wrap them in my clothes. I keep them in the plastic bags they give me but I separate them and wrap them in my clothes. The clothing protects my treasures and I don't have to take up more trunk space.

By Debradj from Illinois

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Tea Tree Oil For Mold

I like to use tea tree oil to clean mold in the bathroom. In a 1 quart spray bottle, fill almost 3/4 full and add 30 to 40 drops of tee tree oil and about 1 to 2 tablespoons of liquid dish detergent. I like to use Liquid Dawn. Spray the area that has the mold. Then wait 5 to 10 minutes and wipe with wet cloth and rinse. Can be repeated if mold is not removed the first time.

By Cathy from MA

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Product Review: Craigslist

Someone mentioned Craigslist on the ThriftyFun website. I went there and am having so much fun. I want to thank whoever gave that suggestion to go there to find something you are looking for. I have sold over $100 on items I've picked up at the curb. I fix it, stain it, or just clean it and then sell it on Craigslist.org. It's local so people search for their state and then the city near them and then do their shopping. All communication is done through e-mail unless one or the other chooses to give out their phone #. I always meet them at a mall or restaurant to exchange $ and the item they bought. I take someone with me if I can for security sake. It's a way to get rid of bigger items that didn't sell at your garage sale. Of course you wouldn't want to sell clothing or small items. I don't think people would waste their time driving for them. Unless it's an unusual item like collectibles. Anyway, I just wanted to share that with all you Thrifty Fun, frugal living friends on this website. Thanks again!!

By DML from OHIO

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Joke: Marriage Scripture

A Pastor asked if anyone had a scripture relating to marriage. Someone in the back of the room piped up and said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do".

By Anne from Fernley, NV

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Craft: Faux Leather Vase

I made these with kids many years ago. I searched the web to see if anyone had a photo and directions. And yes they did.

• http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/artvase.htm

Materials:

• Empty bottle or jar (beer bottles work well too)
• Masking tape
• Shoe Polish
• Cloth Rag

Instructions

Tips: Younger children should not participate in the shoe polish stage. Sometimes a second rubbing or glossing adds to the beauty.

Source: http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/artvase.htm

By Carol from Torrance, CA

Editor's Note: Here is a similar craft project that is posted on ThriftyFun:

• Leather-Look Vase or Bottle

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Using Tissue Paper To Update A Lamp

I changed my living room and my table lamps won't match, they were peach ceramic. I cleaned the ceramic with alcohol and then I put a thin layer of Elmers' glue and, with tissue paper which I crushed with my hands forming a ball, unfold the paper and press on the glued surface all around. After it is completely dried, paint it with a water based stain in any color you like. I first painted it with white. After completely dried, I used a maple stain, and finally a darker color. It came out wonderful and I can use my lamps again. They look like I just bought them.

By Sol from Miami, Fl

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Use Cat Treat Containers For Organizing Craft Supplies

I believe in recycling everything, To organize all my flowers for my scrapbooking, I use my cat's Pounce Cat Treat bottles and put each color of flower in their own bottle. I have a nice shelf unit I got free from a neighbor that they fit in just right. I also use shoe boxes to store small craft supplies and label them and keep them in a closet in my craft room. Another use for the pounce containers are for small things like brads, eyelets, etc.

I also use tins to store buttons and other sewing notions and I use old fashion glass mason jars to store my ribbons in. I keep in my sewing room in photo boxes that are the decorated ones, all my DVD and VHS tapes so they are not just laying in piles in my room and the boxes look great. I use a lot of 8.5 x 11 paper and cardstock, so I have one 2 draw file cabinet for the paper and one for the cardstock and they fit right under the counter top my husband and I built in my craft room. I also took on top top of a dresser two thin tower shelving units and put them on their side and now I have more room in my craft room and still have the shelving to store my scrapbooking supplies and craft books. I also use decorative tins shaped like little building to store things like paperclips, thumbtacs, rubberbands.

By PJ from Newville, PA

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Use Pastry Blender For Deviled Eggs

I have always used my pastry blender, a hard wire one, to chop up eggs for egg salad. This Sunday I decided to use it to mash up the yokes for deviled eggs I was making for a church lunch.
It worked very well.

Put the yokes in a bowl and use your pastry blender to chop/mash them. After they are the consistency you like, add your ingredients, mix it together, put the mixture in a zip lock baggie, cut the tip off, and fill the whites.

By Ms April from Michigan

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Leftover Sewing and Knitting Supplies

Put loose pins and needles in washed pill bottles or mint containers.

Roll leftover yarn on paper-towel rolls.

By Anne A. from Fernley, NV

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What Breed Is My Dog?

I just got a new puppy named MAX and wonder what kind dog he is? I think Max is a cross between a Chihuahua and Terrier. Any suggestions?

Thank you,
Kreatvmuzk from Colorado

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Drying Banana Slices

I am looking for a home made recipe to dry banana slices. Please can you help?

Sharlene from South Africa

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Cleaning Dirty Glass Bottles

My husband and I dig up old bottles as a hobby to display. My problem is how do you clean the insides. Soaking doesn't help, nor shaking them with soapy water. Any ideas from someone that has encountered this problem? Thanks.

Pattie

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Protecting Outdoor Decks

What is the best treating product for outside wood products such as decks and trellis' to preserve and protect against intense weather conditions, such as snow, sun, rain and wind?

Hardiness Zone: 5b

Melissa from Fillmore, NY

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Hamburger and Ramen Recipe

I am looking for a recipe. Hamburger meat, green onions, ramen noodles and Worcestershire Sauce. Can anyone help me?

Mona

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Keeping Pigeons Away from My House

I live in Southern California and pigeons seem to live on the roof of my house (It's a two story house.) They leave their droppings on the driveway and it's difficult to get rid of every hour or so. I try to spray them with a hose but they fly away and return later. Does anyone know how to keep them away?

Christine

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Uses for Last Years School Papers

After every year, I have a stack of papers from school. It seems such a waste to throw it away, and I don't keep them for future reference. Does anyone have any ideas on what to do with them?

Christine

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Tree That Looks Like a Crepe Myrtle

Does anyone know what the name of the plant is that looks like a crape myrtle, but is actually a tree?

Thanks,
Holly from Richardson, TX

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Erasing the Memory in Ni-Cd Batteries

I recently purchased 18 Malibu solar garden/pathway lights on eBay that were listed as new; however, the boxes were opened and the tabs had been pulled to activate the rechargeable batteries. The boxes said the batteries should last 15 hours (per night), but they only stay lit about 3-4 hours. It seems that if I try to replace the AA 1.2V 900 mAh Ni-Cd batteries that came with them, it would cost a small fortune (to me, anyway!).

I've been reading that the Ni-Cd batteries have a memory that causes them to lose power time, but read some suggestions of putting them in the freezer for 3-4 hours to erase the memory? Any ideas or input of how I can remedy this situation at any affordable price?

THANKS in advance for ANY advice or input!

Leah from Shelbyville, TN

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Searing a Steak

Chef Jacques Pepin has a method of searing steak, then cooking in a slow oven for a long time. Does anyone know the details?

Thanks,
Holly from Richardson, TX

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Sprucing Up a Business

I'm looking for inexpensive ways to spruce up the looks of a business. There is an office, lobby, bathroom, and large sidewalk area. I am stumped about what to do, any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Lacey from MI

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Making a "Creation Bag"

I'm looking for directions on how to make a "Creation Bag". It is used as a visual to teach the Days of Creation to children.

Karen Sue from Jenison, MI

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Making Curtains Longer

I have beautiful draperies that are on a wall that goes all the way up to the second story in my den. There are two sets of windows on the wall one above the other. I originally made the curtains and valance just on the bottom set of windows (they are 121 inches high) and now I realize I should have gone all the way up to the top of the second window. Is there a tasteful way to add more yardage to these curtains vertically and have it look tasteful? Hope this makes sense.

Amy from Texas

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Keeping Ants of a Snowball Bush

Will soap and water spray help keep small ants from eating new leaves on a snowball bush? Anything else to try?

Hardiness Zone: 3a

Sharon from Nova Scotia

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Mammoth Sunflower Leaves Turning Yellow

I have planted mammoth sunflowers in a large pot and I'm having a problem with the lower leaves first turning yellow, then brown before finally dieing off. Am I over watering or what?

Hardiness Zone: 7a

Dave from Baltimore, MD

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Bark Peeling at the Base of a Weeping Cherry

I have an 8 year old weeping cherry tree with peeling bark at the base of the tree. The trunk is also sunken in a bit under the peeling bark. The affected area faces south. Could it be from the sun? I also found an insect casing at the base of the tree, it looks like a pupa case. Could I have a double problem? I'm not sure what to do to save this tree. Otherwise, it seems very healthy. Hope you can help!

Hardiness Zone: 6b

Jeannette from Lancaster,PA

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Repairing a Baseball Cap

I own a treasured Callaway baseball cap I've had for years, but recently made the mistake of washing it in the washing machine. Hence the frayed bill. Is there any business of sorts that can repair my frayed bill? Any new 'Callaway' caps have a less of desired look to them. Please respond.

Thank you,
Smokey24 from Walnut Creek, CA

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Keeping Cats From Eating Houseplants

Does anyone have any remedies to deter my cats from eating my houseplants/flowers? I love to keep small potted plants and flowers in my home, but I cats love to chew on the them. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Monica from Pingree Grove, IL

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NU-EYES for Dogs?

My Princess, a Miniature Pinscher, just turned 10 years old. On Friday night, July 18th, 2008, I noticed she was not seeing things right. I called the Vet and made an appointment for Saturday morning at 8AM. By that next morning she had lost most of her site, 90%, I was totally heartbroken by this. The Vet said she had cataracts and then did some blood work that came back as her being diabetic. He started her on insulin, but where it's the weekend I haven't been able to talk to anyone else at a different Vet's office for more info. My Vet told me surgery was not recommended as the results were very poor with a high chance of glaucoma and then the removal of the eye altogether and that the cost was through the roof.

Has anyone tried NU-EYES for dogs with cataracts? If so I could use all the information anyone is willing to share with me.

Given the glaucoma issue I thought that if anyone out there had any luck with NU-EYES(TM) and there was a chance of it working I would give it a try. Right now I feel so helpless for her. Below is a link to the site that talks about NU-EYES

http://www.bionational.com/landing_pages/015-canine-cataract-treatment.html=

Thank You,
Larry from Bangor, Maine

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Reusing Leftover Soap Pieces

What can you do with small pieces of soap besides put on big pieces of soap?

Ken

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

If you are an avid crafter, capable writer and own a digital camera, you are eligible to participate. Submit your craft projects to ThriftyFun and we will pay $15 for any crafts that we publish.

More Information:
Click Here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml

Frugal Guidelines For Grocery Shopping

Sticking to a grocery budget can get interesting, to say the least. A really good sale on non-perishable items can tempt you to overspend. I have learned to put my grocery money in an envelope. When I run out of money, I quit buying. If I need another loaf of bread, more than likely the ingredients are on hand. I have a few other guidelines, too.

1. If there is money left over from the week's budget, I leave it in there. I may run across a fantastic deal next week and need the extras.
2. Do not shop for just this week. Shop for non-perishable items at amazingly good prices, and stock up. A year's supply is not overkill as long as your cupboards already have enough of the basics (meat, vegetables, fruit, etc.) to get you through until next payday.
3. Skip the junk food. It not only costs you more in cash. It costs you more in medical and dental bills.
4. In the winter, I spend more money on fresh produce. In the summer, fresh food comes from the garden, but the money goes for canning supplies such as lids and sugar.
5. Collect recipes that help you use up your most prolific garden produce. This week we are swimming in zucchini, broccoli, snow peas, lettuce and Swiss chard. We are eating quite a few vegetarian dishes. Last night it was egg rolls. By having the recipe on hand, I knew I had to buy egg roll wrappers and water chestnuts. The rest of those crops go in the freezer or get fed to the calves. The corn is coming on, so I am looking up our favorite corn recipes.
6. Get into canning. While we have 20 rows of corn in the garden, we can only eat so much corn on the cob. Two canners full of pint jars filled with whole kernels and/or cream-style corn will last us all year and shoot about one afternoon. I like to invite friends over to work with me, especially if they want to learn how to do canning. Good conversation makes the time fly. You can pay for the necessary equipment with one season of savings.
7. Compare sale notices with the coupons you have clipped. Sometimes you can get food for free if the amounts match each other.
8. If you do not garden, there are plenty of people who do and would rather see their extras go to a good use than go to waste.
9. Raise some of your own meat. Dolly Freed's book "Possum Living" describes how she and her father raised rabbits in their basement. If they could raise rabbits in the middle of town (without odor or contamination problems) anyone can do it. You don't have to have an acre of ground to do it. There is always a way. Her father also enjoyed hunting.
10. Forage. Whether it is in a vacant lot, a wooded area, or the dumpster behind the grocery store, there is always something edible to be found. Once I "found" about 300 pounds of ice cream. Their freezer had failed, and grocery store associates were hauling it out to the dumpster. I suggested that it would fit in my trunk and they were happy to oblige. Another time, there was an entire case of bananas that had gotten frozen and were unsaleable. I mashed them with a little lemon juice and froze them in pint containers to use later for smoothies and banana bread. It lasted two years.
11. Not a tip, but a word to the wise. The self-discipline involved in sticking to a budget will serve you well in many areas of your life. You might say it's priceless!

Source: The source for these tips is personal experience and a tiny budget. You might call that motivation. I have never been one to wait around for someone else to rescue me.

By Coreen from Rupert, ID



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